In May 2025, the Erasmus+ project “ICT4Rights: Digital Advocacy and Inclusion for All” brought together youth workers, educators, and NGO representatives in Benalmádena, Spain. The aim of this training was clear and urgent: to give participants the tools and confidence to promote human rights in the digital world. As technology becomes a larger part of everyday life, young people need not only access to digital spaces, but also knowledge about their rights, privacy, and ethical responsibilities online. This project responded to that need by exploring how technology can support civic participation and equality, while also protecting freedom of expression and access to information. With participants coming from different European countries, the course created a shared space to exchange ideas, develop new skills, and build a vision for a fair and inclusive digital future.
In Bulgaria, digital transformation has moved forward quickly in recent years, but the benefits are not shared equally across society. Many young people in cities have access to smartphones, internet, and digital services, but those in smaller towns and rural areas often face barriers. Limited resources, poor digital literacy, and lack of educational support create gaps in knowledge and opportunity. This digital divide affects not only education, but also employment, communication, and social participation. Another growing concern is online safety. Young people face online harassment, cyberbullying, and misinformation, and many do not know how to respond or where to seek help. Before the training in Spain, youth workers from Mladezhda noticed that in their local area, many young people used technology every day, but few understood the risks or their digital rights. There were also few structured activities that combined human rights education with digital skills training. As a result, both youth and their families were left unprepared for the challenges of the online world.
The training experience in Benalmádena provided a turning point. The program was built around interactive workshops, group discussions, and real-life examples that connected technology with human rights. Participants explored the principles of responsible tech use, ethical data collection, and how digital tools can promote freedom and inclusion. One of the most eye-opening sessions focused on how online platforms, when designed without care, can exclude people with disabilities or language barriers. This made many participants reflect on the importance of accessibility and how it must be part of every project. The course also included activities on digital storytelling and community-based outreach, showing how technology can give voice to underrepresented groups. Visits to local Spanish initiatives added more inspiration. For example, one project run by local volunteers supported elderly people in using smartphones to connect with family and services. Another project taught teenagers how to run social media campaigns for mental health awareness. The combination of theory and practice helped everyone to understand not just what needs to change, but how to make that change happen in real life.
Returning home, the youth worker from Mladezhda was full of ideas and ready to take action. Inspired by the training, the organization launched a new initiative called “Rights Online: Youth for Digital Justice.” The goal of the project was to create a safe and creative space where young people could explore their rights in the digital world. The team designed a series of workshops that combined human rights education with digital skills, especially focusing on data privacy, freedom of expression, and combating online hate. The sessions were held in schools and youth centers in the Plovdiv region, and each group of participants worked on a small digital campaign about a topic important to them. Some focused on cyberbullying, others on access to education or gender equality online. A special effort was made to include young people from minority backgrounds, who often feel excluded from public discussions.
The impact of the “Rights Online” initiative quickly grew. Youth participants became more aware of their digital environment and started to speak out about online issues they had experienced or witnessed. They shared their own stories, learned how to protect their personal data, and practiced respectful online communication. Some used their new knowledge to help family members better understand how to avoid scams or manage social media. Teachers and community leaders also showed interest in the project and requested copies of the educational materials. The workshops created bridges between schools, NGOs, and local authorities, who began to talk more seriously about the importance of digital rights for youth. For the first time in the region, young people were not only learning about human rights but also applying them in digital spaces where they spend most of their time.
This project showed that digital rights are not a luxury. They are part of everyday life and should be protected just like any other human rights. The Erasmus+ training in Spain helped the youth worker from Mladezhda see this clearly and gave them the tools to bring that vision to life back home in Bulgaria. By combining knowledge with empathy, and action with creativity, the initiative helped youth to feel that they are not alone, and that their voices matter—both offline and online. The journey that started in Benalmádena did not end there. It continues in every discussion, every workshop, and every digital post that promotes fairness, inclusion, and understanding. As technology continues to shape the future, it is essential that young people are not just users of digital tools, but also defenders of rights and builders of just and inclusive communities. This project was a step in that direction, and more steps will follow.